palmertires

I have just purchased a used bike that I don't think had ever seen a bit of maintenance. I don't know much about bicycle mechanics, but want to use this one to learn (it will also be the bike that I ride everywhere until I can afford a better one...who knows, after fixing it up, I may not want something better). I have a copy of Anybody's Bike Book from my dad's bookshelf, and have been reading it along with looking/adjusting my bike. I noticed right away that the chain, actually the whole power train, is a gunky, gritty mess. I want to clean it, so it runs better. The book doesn't go into great detail about cleaning methods, and recommends removing the chain if the whole thing is a big mess. I am not sure I want to remove it, yet. Otherwise, all of the components seem to be in good order, nothing bent, missing, etc. No scary noises, either. Can anyone recommend a good way to clean this part of the bike without removing the chain, and without spending a bunch of money on a cleaning kit? (I am on a limited budget...want to avoid unnecessary expenses so that I have more for the stuff that I really may need to spend money on). Thanks

fatboyslimfast

I've never used a clip-on chain cleaner, I think it would probably make too much mess. Fortunately I work in an automotive garage so I have access to a degreasing bay. I remove the chain (I use Sram links) put the chain into an old Gunk can, add some degreaser, close the lid and shake vigourously. The dirty degreaser is poured back into the bay, the chain is dried and relubed. Now I imagine you could get hold of some bio-degradable degreaser pretty easily, I think Gunk is enviromentally friendly.

neil0502

You may want to search BikeForums.net and/or Google for chain cleaning, lubrication, and maintenance. There's a ton of good information via both methods.

Good luck!

palmertires

So, it looks like the best way to clean this will be to remove the chain? I was hoping I wouldn't have to do that...but, it is really dirty. As are all of the other parts, so it would probably be easier to clean those without the chain on them. The book I have recommends soaking in gasoline, which I know would clean it, but it is not so environmentally friendly, and since I have nothing motorized that requires gasoline, I have no need for the stuff. I do have some solvent (Citra-Solv), would that work full-strength?

I will do a search...although, any recommendations?

Doctor Morbius

I second what Fatboyslimfast said. Gunk in a can or old peanut butter jar and shake vigorously. If the chain is really caked with crud you may want to rinse and repeat. If you can't take the chain off the bike just spray it with Gunk and let it soak for a while and use a toothbrush. You can also use something like Simple Green but for really nasty jobs I prefer Gunk.

The only thing I would add is to be careful not to spray Gunk or any other solvents around your hubs or where there are any bearings. Chances are if the chain and drivetrain are that bad, the former owner didn't do any routine maintenance and you may want to break down the bike for a complete overhaul, especially areas like hubs.

Before you delve into this project you may want to get an inexpensive chain checker like the $10 Park CC-3 to see if the chain is stretched/worn. If the chain checker indicates it has stretched to 1.0% or better then you don't need to bother cleaning it. Just toss it and replace with a fresh new one. Nothing will damage a drivetrain like stretched/worn chain.

https://www.nashbar.com/profile_morei...u=11164&brand=

A good book for bicycle mechnics are "Zenn and the art of ________ Maintenance" (road or MTB). The Park web site also has quite a bit of useful information as well ...

https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml

Doctor Morbius

Gasoline may work in a pinch but there are better solvents available - Gunk, Simple Green, ZEP Citrus Degreaser from Home Depot.

neil0502

Your average citrus-based degreaser will work quite well....

JBar

You don't need to take the chain off. Get a cog brush , some rags, and your citrus cleaner and clean the gunk off, then rinse it with a hose. Get it dry, relube and wipe off the excess. That's somewhat simplified, but it's just not that complicated.

phantomcow2

I dont think cleaning the chain with it still on the bike does as good a job as opposed to taking it off. If you dont already have a powerlink, get it. THese things make it so easy to remove. I just shake it in a gatorade bottle full of simple green. half simple green and half water. The crud goes to the bottom so you can reuse the bottle for a while. That tends to do well getting a lot off. BUt i like to run it over pressurized water to really blast off anything else.